Immediate effects of neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridging exercises on walking ability and balance function in stroke patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of a pelvic neuromuscular joint-facilitation intervention on the walking and balance ability of patients with hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular accidents. [Participants and Methods] A total of 15 patients with hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular accidents underwent a neuromuscular joint-facilitation lumbar-pattern intervention (intervention group), a bridge exercise (bridge intervention group), or a neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge intervention (neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge group). Each intervention was randomly administered at 7-day intervals. Measurement items included the timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, 10-m maximum walking speed test, and load in the standing position. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention in each group. [Results] The timed up-and-go test result was significantly shorter in the neuromuscular joint-facilitation intervention group. Timed up-and-go test results, functional reach, 10-m walking time, and standing load (non-paralyzed side) significantly improved in the neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge group. [Conclusion] The neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge intervention was immediately effective in patients with hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular accidents and improved their walking and balance ability.